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Capsule review: ‘Run, Fatboy, Run’
Far from the self-conscious genre deconstruction fans might expect from star Simon Pegg (“Shaun of the Dead”), “Run, Fatboy, Run” is actually a relentlessly rule-following romantic comedy — just the kind of genial, jokey fare you’d expect a “Friend” to direct. (David Schwimmer, who doesn’t act in the film, makes his feature-directing debut.) There’s zero chemistry between Pegg and Thandie Newton, who plays the fiancée Pegg left long ago and now wants to win back, but the picture’s mostly about male relationships, anyway: Pegg’s rivalry with Newton’s new dude, a Mr. Perfect played by Hank Azaria; Pegg’s efforts to parent the son he raises half-time; Pegg’s friendship with an equally lazy pal who — once this “fatboy” decides to endure a marathon to prove he deserves Newton — becomes his unlikely coach. As you’ve noticed, that’s a lot of Simon Pegg; fortunately, the comedian has the personality to carry us along.
9:45 p.m today at the Paramount Theatre
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